Molting chicken laying soft shell or cracked eggs

[cjpines]

My chicken age 1 /2 yrs started molting. Now she lays soft or broken shell eggs about twice a week. I'm giving her extra calcium and vits to see if it improves.

Question: Is it because she's molting why her eggs are like this? Will she eventually stop laying all together while in full molt?

I thought molting stops egg laying?

Thank you

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Are you sure it's her eggs? It usually stops egg laying. Is she laying every day or twice a week?

 

[cjpines]

Are you sure it's her eggs? It usually stops egg laying. Is she laying every day or twice a week?

We are pretty sure it's her eggs. Lays probably twice a week.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I've heard of molting birds laying occasionally but building a new winter coat takes a lot out of them and any strain on the system and available protein usually stops ovulation.
As for the poor quality shells, just make sure the calcium/phosphorus/vitamin D3 ratio is proper. That comes from either a complete layer feed or a grower/all flock feed with oyster shell in a separate container. Few treats unless they are in the form of meat/fish to supplement the protein needed for growing feathers.

 

[cjpines]

I've heard of molting birds laying occasionally but building a new winter coat takes a lot out of them and any strain on the system and available protein usually stops ovulation.
As for the poor quality shells, just make sure the calcium/phosphorus/vitamin D3 ratio is proper. That comes from either a complete layer feed or a grower/all flock feed with oyster shell in a separate container. Few treats unless they are in the form of meat/fish to supplement the protein needed for growing feathers.

Good advice, thank you. I didn't know strain and protein stops ovulation.

 

[tracytrull]

Its been a long time since this post but did you figure it out? I also have one doing this right now and I know its her, I have seen her do it.